ISO 14001

Organizations of all kinds are increasingly concerned with achieving and demonstrating sound environmental performance by controlling the impacts of their activities, products and services on the environment, consistent with their environmental policy and objectives. They do so in the context of increasingly stringent legislation, the development of economic policies and other measures that foster environmental protection, and increased concern expressed by interested parties about environmental matters and sustainable development.

b) Identify the environmental aspects arising from the organizations past, existing or planned activities, products and services, in order to determine the environmental impacts of significance.

c) Identify applicable legal requirements and other requirements, to which the organization subscribes.

d) Identify priorities and set appropriate environmental objectives and targets.

e) Establish a structure and a programme(s) to implement the policy and achieve objectives and meet targets.

f) Facilitate planning, control, monitoring, preventive and corrective actions, auditing and review activities to ensure both that the policy is complied with and that the environmental management system remains appropriate

g) Be capable of adapting to changing circumstances.

ISO 14001 is a process-oriented standard; it implies a commitment to continuous improvement.

The most important benefit of ISO 14001 implementation is the monetary benefit derived from reduced energy costs as a result of increased energy efficiency. The other benefits include improved industrial relations with the government through following of governmental regulations. In addition, greater shareholder and customer confidence is observed. Also, there is increase in labour productivity due to improved work ethics and corporate identity. Since an EMS according to ISO 14001 is based on the participation of the entire staff, it enhances the integration of employees and motivates them to actively participate in changes within the organization.

The sales are also benefited as a result of positive marketing effects due to certification and improved industrial relations.